Co2 desorption catalyst

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a CO 2  desorption catalyst that has an excellent CO 2  desorption activity and that can be used to replace metal filler. This invention provides a CO 2  desorption catalyst comprising an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact, the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m 2 /g or m

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a CO₂ desorption catalyst.

BACKGROUND ART

Chemical absorption methods are widely known as a method for removing and collecting CO₂ from combustion exhaust gas from thermal power stations and steel works (PTL 1). In a chemical absorption method, CO₂ is brought into contact with an aqueous solution mainly containing alkanolamine (hereinafter also referred to as an “absorbing solution”) in an absorption tower, so as to allow the CO₂ to be absorbed into the absorbing solution. The absorbing solution containing the absorbed CO₂ is transferred to a regeneration tower where the transferred solution is heated by heating vapor to cause the absorbed CO₂ to be desorbed (degassed). The desorbed CO₂ is collected, and the absorbing solution from which the CO₂ has been desorbed is transferred back to the absorption tower to be reused.

Heretofore, the regeneration tower is filled with metal filler, such as thin stainless-steel plates or mesh balls obtained by wadding stainless steel mesh. The contact area of the absorbing solution and heating vapor is increased by allowing the absorbing solution to move through the surface of the filler. In this manner, desorption of CO₂ is promoted.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature PTL 1: JPH03-193116A SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the metal filler heretofore used exerts limited activity on the promotion of desorption. Further, the filler heretofore used generally occupies a large volume of space, and the regeneration tower must therefore be made larger to achieve the desired desorption amount.

For this reason, the development of CO₂ desorption catalysts that have an excellent CO₂ desorption activity and that can be used to replace the metal filler is in demand.

An object of the invention is to provide a CO₂ desorption catalyst having excellent CO₂ desorption activity.

Solution to Problem

As a result of extensive research, the present inventors found that the use of a specific inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact makes it possible to provide the above CO₂ desorption catalyst having excellent CO₂ desorption activity. The invention has thereby been accomplished.

Specifically, as described below, the invention relates to a CO₂ desorption catalyst, a CO₂ desorption device having this catalyst, and a method for desorbing CO₂ by using this catalyst.

1. A CO₂ desorption catalyst comprising an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact,

the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more.

2. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to Item 1, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, metal oxides, metals, and clay minerals.

3. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, Ga₂O₃, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, CuO, ZnO, Pd, Fe, Co, Ag, Ni, Pt, Cr, and zeolites.

4. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, Ga₂O₃, Al₂O₃, Pd, Fe, and zeolites.

5. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of EN and Al₂O₃.

6. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to Item 5, wherein at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Fe, Co, Ag, Ni, and Pt is supported on the catalyst.

7. A CO₂ desorption device including:

a CO₂ absorption tower for absorbing and removing CO₂ from exhaust gas by using an absorbing solution; and

a regeneration tower for regenerating the absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂,

wherein the regeneration tower contains the CO₂ desorption catalyst of any one of Items 1 to 6.

8. A method for desorbing CO₂,

the method comprising the step of regenerating an absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂,

wherein the regeneration step brings the absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂ into contact with the CO₂ desorption catalyst of any one of Items 1 to 6.

9. Use of an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂.

10. A method for using an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂.

The CO₂ desorption catalyst of the invention is described below in detail. The invention also encompasses the use of an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂ from a CO₂-containing solution. The invention further encompasses a method for using an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂ from a CO₂-containing solution.

CO₂ Desorption Catalyst of the Invention

The CO₂ desorption catalyst of the invention (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “the catalyst of the invention”) comprises an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more. Since the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact has a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, the CO₂ desorption catalyst has an excellent activity to desorb CO₂ from a CO₂-containing absorbing solution. A BET specific surface area is a value obtained by dividing an inorganic powder surface area including the contribution of microscopic unevenness, pores, etc., by the mass of the inorganic powder. A molecule whose adsorption area has been calculated is allowed to adsorb onto the surface of an inorganic powder at a liquid nitrogen temperature, and based on the adsorbed amount, the BET surface area can be calculated. The upper limit of the BET specific surface area is preferably 500 m²/g or less.

The inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact has a BET specific surface area of more preferably 50 to 400 M²/g, and still more preferably 60 to 250 m²/g, in view of the catalytic effect and strength thereof.

The BET specific surface area of the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact can be obtained by measuring the BET specific surface area of the inorganic powder. When the inorganic powder has a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, the inorganic powder compact also has a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more.

The BET specific surface area of the inorganic powder can be measured using a commercially available measuring instrument. Examples of an instrument for measuring the BET specific surface area include the NOVA-4200e, produced by Quantachrome, and the like.

The components of the catalyst of the invention (inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact) are not limited as long as they are inorganic components. For example, any inorganic components can be used, such as boron nitride (BN), metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal carbides, metal borides, metals (simple substances), intermetallic compounds, and clay minerals. In the catalyst of the invention, inorganic powders or inorganic powder compacts may be used singly or in a combination of two or more. When two or more types of inorganic powders or inorganic powder compacts are combined for use, the inorganic powders or inorganic powder compacts may be simply mixed, or may be in the form of a solid solution. For example, a solid solution of a plurality of metal oxides may be used as a composite metal oxide.

Examples of metal oxides include Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, Cr₂O₃, MgO, Ga₂O₃, CuO, ZnO, and the like. Examples of composite metal oxides include Al₂O₃—Ga₂O₃, CuO—ZnO, Al₂O₃—SiO₂, and SiO₂—TiO₂; and Sr- and Mg-doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM), and Co-doped LSGM (LSGMC), and the like.

Examples of metal nitrides include AlN, SiN, TiN, and the like.

Examples of metal carbides include SiC, TiC, MgC₂, and the like.

Examples of metal borides include Co₂B, Fe₂B, Ni₂B, PtB, RuB₂, and the like.

Examples of metals (simple substances) include Pd, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Ag, Au, Pt, Cr, and the like.

Examples of intermetallic compounds include AlFe, CoPt₃, CoFe, RuTi, and the like.

Examples of clay minerals include zeolites, talcs, sepiolites, kaolinites, montmorillonites, and the like.

The catalyst of the invention is preferably at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, Ga₂O₃, Al₂O₃, Pd, Fe, and zeolites.

As the catalyst of the invention, an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact in which metal is supported on a component mentioned above may be used. As the metal supported on the component, the same metals given above as examples of metals (Pd, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Ag, Au, Pt, Cr, and the like) may be used. For example, when Al₂O₃ is used as the catalyst of the invention, at least one member selected from the group consisting of Pd, Fe, Co, Ag, and Ni (in particular, preferably at least one member selected from the group consisting of Pd, Fe, and Ag) is supported on the Al₂O₃. In this manner, the CO₂ desorption activity can be improved.

When metal is supported, the loading of the supported metal is preferably 0.1 to 10 wt %, based on the entire catalyst of the invention.

The metal supported on the CO₂ desorption catalyst is in many cases in the so-called oxidation state immediately after the preparation. In this case, a reduction treatment may be performed in advance so that the metal in the oxidation state is reduced to the metal state. The catalytic activity of the CO₂ desorption catalyst is thereby further enhanced.

The reduction treatment may be performed, for example, by heat treatment in gas such as H₂ or H₂—N₂. The heat treatment is performed at a temperature of preferably 200 to 400° C. The duration of the heat treatment is preferably about 30 minutes to 5 hours.

The shape of the inorganic powder is not particularly limited. Examples include a spherical shape, a granular shape, an unfixed shape, a branched shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, a flat shape, and the like.

The size of the inorganic powder is not particularly limited. When the inorganic powder is in the shape of a sphere, the diameter is preferably about 0.01 to 10 μm.

A compact obtained by shaping the inorganic powder (an inorganic powder compact) can also be used as the catalyst of the invention. The shape of this compact is not particularly limited. Examples include a spherical shape, a columnar shape, a disk shape, a ring shape, a coating film shape, and the like.

The size of the inorganic powder compact is not particularly limited. When the compact is in the shape of a disk, the diameter is preferably about 1 to 100 mm.

The method for producing the inorganic powder compact is not particularly limited. For example, an inorganic powder that can be used in this invention is shaped by a tableting machine, an extruder, or the like.

When the inorganic powder compact is in the shape of a coating film, the film thickness is preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

The inorganic powder compact in the shape of a coating film (a coating film-shaped compact) may be produced, for example, in the following manner: organic substances, such as polyethylene glycol and/or ethyl cellulose, are mixed with an inorganic powder to produce a paste composition, the produced paste composition is applied to form a coating film and then calcined to decompose and remove the organic substances. The calcination here is preferably performed at 200° C. or higher.

The coating film-shaped compact may be formed on the surface of a metal filler, on the inner surface (wall surface) of a regeneration tower described later, on a narrow tube of a vapor heater, on a plate surface, and the like. When the coating film-shaped compact is formed on the surface of a metal filler, the filler can be used to fill a regeneration tower as is conventionally done or can be placed in a CO₂-containing absorbing solution reservoir at the bottom of a regeneration tower. The coating film-shaped compact may also be formed on the inner surface of a structure in which many flat plates are stacked leaving gaps that serve as flow paths for an absorbing material, or on the inner surface of a honeycomb (monolith) structure with many parallel through-holes. It is also possible to form these structures themselves from the inorganic powder compact.

CO₂ Desorption Device and Desorption Method of the Invention

The CO₂ desorption device and desorption method of the invention are described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram roughly illustrating a CO₂ desorption device according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram roughly illustrating the inside of the regeneration tower of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the CO₂ desorption device of the invention includes a CO₂ absorption tower for absorbing and removing CO₂ by using an absorbing solution (hereinafter simply referred to as “absorption tower”) and a regeneration tower for regenerating the absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂. In an exhaust gas introduction area, an exhaust gas cooling unit and an exhaust gas cooler for cooling exhaust gas, an exhaust gas blower for pressurizing exhaust gas, and the absorption tower filled with the CO₂ absorbing solution for absorbing and removing CO₂ from exhaust gas, are arranged. In this application, an absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂ is referred to as a CO₂-containing absorbing solution (or a CO₂-containing solution), and an absorbing solution not containing absorbed CO₂ or an absorbing solution regenerated in the regeneration tower is referred to as an unabsorbed solution. In this application, the CO₂-containing absorbing solution and the unabsorbed solution are distinguished from each other.

The solution used for absorbing CO₂ (unabsorbed solution) is not particularly limited. For example, an aqueous solution of one or more alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, and diglycolamine, in water is suitably used. These alkanolamines may be used singly or in a combination of two or more.

The absorption tower and the regeneration tower are connected by a line for supplying the CO₂-containing absorbing solution to the regeneration tower and a line for supplying the regenerated unabsorbed solution to the absorption tower. These two lines are provided with a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the CO₂-containing absorbing solution and the unabsorbed solution. Between the heat exchanger and the absorption tower in the line for supplying the unabsorbed solution to the absorption tower, a cooler for further cooling the unabsorbed solution is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the regeneration tower is provided with a nozzle for downwardly spraying the CO₂-containing absorbing solution supplied from the line. Below the nozzle, a filled portion filled with the catalyst of the invention is provided.

At the bottom of the regeneration tower, a heater for heating the CO₂-containing absorbing solution is provided. The heater and the regeneration tower are connected by a line so that the CO₂-containing absorbing solution accumulated in the bottom of the tower is returned to the bottom of the tower after being heated by the heater.

At the CO₂ gas outlet side at the top of the regeneration tower, a line is provided, in which a cooler for cooling CO₂ gas and a separator for separating moisture from CO₂ gas are sequentially arranged. The separator is provided with a line for resupplying water separated by the separator to the top of the regeneration tower. This line is provided with a nozzle for downwardly spraying this reflux water.

Next, a CO₂ desorption method is described below. CO₂-containing exhaust gas discharged from a boiler is first transferred to the cooling unit to be cooled with cooling water. The cooled exhaust gas is pressurized by the blower, and then transferred to the absorption tower.

In the absorption tower, exhaust gas is brought into countercurrent contact with an unabsorbed solution mainly containing alkanolamine, and as a result of the chemical reaction, CO₂ in the exhaust gas is absorbed into the unabsorbed solution. The exhaust gas from which CO₂ was removed is discharged out of the system from the top of the tower. The absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂ is pressurized with a pump, heated by the heat exchanger, and supplied to the regeneration tower via the line from the bottom of the tower.

In the regeneration tower, the CO₂-containing absorbing solution is sprayed from the nozzle and flows down through the surface of the catalyst of the invention. At this time, the absorbing solution is heated by high-temperature water vapor coming upward from below (described later), causing partial desorption of CO₂. The use of the catalyst of the invention in this desorption reaction better promotes desorption, compared to known metal fillers. The CO₂-containing absorbing solution that has passed through the filled portion accumulates at the bottom of the tower. The accumulated CO₂-containing absorbing solution is extracted through the line and heated by the heater, causing partial desorption of CO₂ with the generation of high-temperature water vapor. Here, CO₂ desorption can be promoted with the application of the catalyst of the invention to the surface of the heater. The desorbed CO₂ and the high-temperature water vapor move upward inside the tower while the not evaporated CO₂-containing absorbing solution moves downward to be accumulated again. As described above, the high-temperature water vapor that moves upward inside the tower heats the CO₂-containing absorbing solution that is flowing down through the surface of the catalyst of the invention. The CO₂ and water vapor discharged from the top of the regeneration tower are cooled by the cooler so that the moisture is condensed. The condensed moisture is separated by the separator and returned to the regeneration tower. The high-purity CO₂ free from moisture is discharged out of this CO₂ desorption device, so as to be effectively used for other purposes.

As described above, the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more can efficiently desorb CO₂ from a CO₂-containing solution.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The catalyst of the invention comprises an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, and thus has an excellent activity to desorb CO₂ from a CO₂-containing absorbing solution. Therefore, the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact can be suitably used as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂ from a CO₂-containing solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram roughly illustrating a CO₂ desorption device according to one embodiment of the invention. The arrow A in FIG. 1 indicates a movement of exhaust gas free from CO₂ towards a flue. The arrow B in FIG. 1 indicates that CO₂ is separated from the absorbing solution. The arrow C in FIG. 1 indicates that CO₂ is collected.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram roughly illustrating the inside of the regeneration tower of FIG. 1. The arrow D in FIG. 2 indicates that a CO₂-containing absorbing solution is transferred from the absorption tower. The arrow E in FIG. 2 indicates that the CO₂-containing absorbing solution transferred from the absorption tower moves down through the surface of the CO₂ desorption catalyst of the invention while allowing desorption of CO₂ under the heat of high-temperature water vapor. The arrows F in FIG. 2 indicate upward movement of the high-temperature water vapor and CO₂, and downward movement of the not evaporated absorbing solution. The arrow G in FIG. 2 indicates that the absorbing solution is partially extracted to be heated by the heater (high-temperature water vapor is generated when the absorbing solution is heated by the heater).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described in further detail below with reference to Examples. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to these Examples.

Example 1

15 mg of a BN powder (produced by Sigma-Aldrich) was pressed into a disk shape having a diameter of about 5 mm to produce the inorganic powder compact (catalyst) (metals unsupported) of Example 1. Based on the size of this compact, the external surface area was calculated to be 0.55 cm². Hereinafter, this simple external surface area of the external surface of the compact is referred to as the “apparent surface area.”

Example 2

An aqueous solution was prepared by dissolving gallium nitrate n-hydrate (Ga=18.9%) (Mitsuwa Chemistry Co., Ltd.) and aluminum nitrate nonahydrate (Nacalai Tesque, Inc.) in 100 mL of water, in such a manner that Ga/(Ga+Al)=0.5. Next, ammonium carbonate (5-fold equivalent) (the “equivalent” as used herein is based on the total molar numbers of Ga ions and Al ions) was added at once to the aqueous solution above, and stirred for 1 hour with a stirrer. The produced precipitate was washed several times with water and collected, followed by calcination at 700° C. in air to obtain Ga₂O₃—Al₂O₃. Subsequently, 15 mg of the EN powder used in Example 1 and 15 mg of this Ga₂O₃—Al₂O₃ were thoroughly mixed and pressed into a disk shape as in Example 1 to thereby produce the inorganic powder compact of Example 2.

Examples 3 to 14

Each metal salt powder was dissolved in water to produce each metal salt aqueous solution. Each metal salt aqueous solution was impregnated onto an Al₂O₃ powder (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., product name: AKP-G05) or onto an SiO₂ powder (Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd., product name: CARiACT G-10), in such a manner that the weight of each metal after reduction treatment was 2 wt %, followed by drying in air at 100° C. for 6 hours and then calcination in air at 400° C. for 30 minutes to thereby obtain various inorganic powders (produced by an impregnation method). Each metal salt powder used herein is shown below.

Metal Salt Powders

Pd salt: a palladium nitrate n-hydrate (Pd(NO₃)₂.nH₂O) powder, produced by Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.)

Fe salt: an iron nitrate nonahydrate (Fe(NO₃)₃.9H₂O) powder, produced by Sigma-Aldrich

Co salt: a cobalt nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂.6H₂O) powder, produced by Sigma-Aldrich

Ag salt: a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) powder, produced by Sigma-Aldrich

Ni salt: a nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O) powder, produced by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.

Pt salt: a diammine dinitro platinum (Pt(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂) powder, produced by Kojima Chemicals Co., Ltd.

15 mg of the EN powder used in Example 1 and 15 mg of each of these various inorganic powders obtained by the impregnation method above were thoroughly mixed, and pressed into a disk shape as in Example 1. A heat treatment was further performed at 300 to 400° C. in 1% H₂—N₂ gas for 2 hours to thereby produce the inorganic powder compacts of Examples 3 to 14.

Example 15

2.5 mol of sodium carbonate was dissolved in 2 L of water and kept warm at 60° C. This aqueous alkaline solution was used as Solution A. 0.15 mol of zinc nitrate, 0.015 mol of aluminum nitrate, 0.012 mol of gallium nitrate, and 0.003 mol of magnesium nitrate were dissolved in 600 mL of water, and kept warm at 60° C. This acidic solution was used as Solution B. 0.3 mol of copper nitrate was dissolved in 300 mL of water and kept warm at 60° C. This acidic solution was used as Solution C. First, Solution B was uniformly added to Solution A dropwise over 30 minutes while being stirred to obtain a suspension. Next, Solution C was added to this suspension dropwise over 30 minutes at a constant rate to obtain a precipitate. After completion of the dropwise addition, aging was performed for 2 hours. Next, the precipitate was filtered and washed to the extent that neither sodium ions nor nitrate ions were detected. Further, the resulting product was dried at 100° C. for 24 hours and then calcined at 300° C. for 3 hours to produce a cylindrical compact of a composite oxide (CuO—ZnO—Al₂O₃—Ga₂O₃—MgO; metal molar ratio: Cu:Zn:Al:Ga:Mg=100:50:5:4:1). A portion of this cylindrical compact was chipped off to give 15 mg of a spherical compact, which was subjected to heat treatment at 300 to 400° C. in 1% H₂—N₂ gas for 2 hours to produce the inorganic powder compact of Example 15.

Example 16

A portion of Cr-based catalyst (Sud-Chemie Catalyst Co., Ltd., product name: ActiSorb 410RS) was chipped off to give 15 mg of a spherical inorganic powder, which was subjected to heat treatment at 300 to 400° C. in 1% H₂—N₂ gas for 2 hours to produce the inorganic powder compact of Example 16.

Example 17

660 mg of Zeolite (produced by Tosoh Corporation, product name: HSZ-640 HOD1A; BET specific surface area catalog value: 400 m²/g; diameter: about 1.5 mm; length: about 6 μm; extruded shape) was prepared.

Example 18

660 mg of spherical Al₂O (produced by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., product name: KHA-46; BET specific surface area catalog value: 150 m²/g) was prepared. Specifically, six spherical Al₂O₃ articles (110 mg each) each having a diameter of about 5 mm were prepared.

Comparative Example 1

Conventionally used metal filler (100 mg) was prepared. Specifically, one metal filler (100 mg) was prepared by wadding a stainless steel mesh with a width of 6 mm and a length of 30 mm into a ball having a diameter of 6 mm.

Comparative Example 2

Conventionally used metal filler (660 mg) was prepared. Specifically, seven fillers in total were prepared: six metal fillers (100 mg each) used in Comparative Example 1; and one metal filler (60 mg) obtained by wadding a stainless steel mesh with a width of 6 mm and a length of 18 mm into a ball having a diameter of 6 mm.

Test Example 1 Surface Area Measurement

The apparent surface area of each catalyst obtained in Examples 1 to 16 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 (inorganic powder compacts, fillers, etc.) was calculated, and the BET specific surface area was measured.

The apparent surface area was calculated based on the size and shape of each catalyst. The apparent surface area of each metal filler of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was calculated based on the diameter, length, and number of stainless steel wires used to form the mesh. The BET specific surface area was obtained using the NOVA-4200e produced by Quantachrome. Tables 1 and 2 below show the measurement results.

Test Example 2 Measurement of CO₂ Amount Present in Test Liquid and Calculation of Desorption Amount Per Apparent Surface Area

30 wt % of aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) solution (50 mL) containing absorbed CO₂ (123.4 or 127.1 g-CO₂/L) was placed into a volumetric flask, to which one of each of the catalysts obtained in Examples 1 to 16 and Comparative Example 1 was added. The aqueous MEA solution was then heated. The heating was performed using a silicone oil bath. The temperature was increased at a rate of 1.4° C./min. After the temperature of the aqueous MEA solution reached 104° C. and was maintained at 104° C. for 30 minutes, a small amount of the aqueous MEA solution was sampled to measure the amount of residual CO₂. Based on the measured amount of residual CO₂, the CO₂ desorption amount per apparent surface area was calculated. The CO₂ desorption amount per apparent surface area was obtained by subtracting the amount of residual CO₂ after the temperature reached 104° C. and was maintained at this temperature for 30 minutes from the CO₂ amount before the test, and dividing the result by the apparent surface area. Table 1 shows the test results.

Test Example 3 Calculation of Desorption Rate of CO₂ Present in Test Liquid and Desorption Rate of CO₂ Per Apparent Surface Area

An aqueous amine solution (150 mL) containing absorbed CO₂ (151.6 g-CO₂/L) was placed into a flask, to which one of each of the catalysts obtained in Examples 17 and 18 and Comparative Example 2 was added. This absorbing solution was heated to 75° C. The heating was performed by immersing the flask in a silicone oil bath heated to 120° C. The flow rate of desorbed CO₂ when the absorbing solution had a temperature of 75° C. was measured using a mass flow meter (Azbil Corporation, MQV0002). Table 2 shows the test results.

Consideration 1:

Referring to the results obtained in Test Example 2 in terms of the CO₂ desorption amount per apparent surface area obtained 30 minutes after the solution temperature reached 104° C., the use of the catalysts of Examples 1 to 16 resulted in much greater values, compared to the results of Comparative Example 1. This indicates that the CO₂ desorption activity of each catalyst (inorganic powder compact) of Examples 1 to 16 is far more excellent than that of metal filler. The use of a catalyst free from BN, such as the catalysts obtained in Examples 15 and 16, also resulted in a high CO₂ desorption amount per apparent surface area. Therefore, BN is not an essential component in the catalyst of the invention.

Consideration 2:

Referring to the results obtained in Test Example 3 in terms of the CO₂ desorption rate when the absorbing solution had a temperature of 75° C., the use of the catalysts of Examples 17 and 18 showed much higher values, compared to the results obtained with the use of the metal filler of Comparative Example 2. This indicates that the CO₂ desorption activity of each catalyst of Examples 17 and 18 is far more excellent than that of metal filler.

When each inorganic powder compact of Examples 1 to 18 is observed at the micro level, the surface thereof is not flat due to the presence of microscopic unevenness, pores, and the like, unlike metal filler. The presence of the microscopic unevenness, pores, and the like is assumed to be one of the reasons for the high CO₂ desorption activity. Considering this, high CO₂ desorption activity is achieved not only by the catalysts of Examples 1 to 16, but also by those having microscopic unevenness and pores to some extent. Among the catalysts of Examples 1 to 16, the compact of the BN powder used in Example 1 has the smallest BET surface area of 7 m²/g. A catalyst having a BET specific surface area equal to or higher than this value is therefore expected to achieve an effect similar to the above.

TABLE 1 CO₂ amount in test liquid Desorption (g-CO₂/L) amount per Weight and surface area of test catalyst 30 min apparent surface Catalyst Apparent after the area 30 min other than surface BET specific temp. after the temp. BN BN area surface area Before reached reached 104° C. (mg) (mg) (cm²) (m²/g) test 104° C. (g-CO₂/cm²) Ex. 1 BN 0 15 0.55 7 127.1 31.3 174 Ex. 2 BN + Ga₂O₃—Al₂O₃-based 15 15 0.46 78 123.4 29.9 203 catalyst Ex. 3 BN + Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.48 80 123.4 31.7 191 Ex. 4 BN + Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.49 73 123.4 32.9 185 Ex. 5 BN + Pd/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.51 113 123.4 34.6 174 Ex. 6 BN + Co/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.50 77 123.4 35.5 176 Ex. 7 BN + Fe/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.50 96 123.4 36.1 175 Ex. 8 BN + Co/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.49 74 123.4 36.2 178 Ex. 9 BN + Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.48 68 123.4 36.8 180 Ex. 10 BN + Ag/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.51 89 123.4 37.1 169 Ex. 11 BN + Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.49 77 123.4 37.3 176 Ex. 12 BN + Pt/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.51 112 123.4 37.8 168 Ex. 13 BN + Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst 15 15 0.49 71 123.4 40.2 170 Ex. 14 BN + Ni/SiO₂ catalyst 15 15 0.50 70 123.4 40.4 166 Ex. 15 CuO—ZnO-based catalyst 15 0 0.24 63 123.4 34.6 370 Ex. 16 Cr-based catalyst 15 0 0.43 245 123.4 37.5 200 Comp. Ex. 1 Metal filler 100 0 3.4 <3 123.4 40.2 24 (less than 3)

TABLE 2 CO₂ desorption rate Weight and surface area of when absorbing solution is test catalyst at 75° C. BET CO₂ desorption Apparent specific CO₂ rate per surface surface desorption apparent Weight area area rate surface area (mg) (cm²) (m²/g) (mL/min) (mL/(min · cm²) Ex. 17 Zeolite catalyst 660 21 400 473 23 Ex. 18 Al₂O₃ catalyst 660 4.7 150 419 89 Comp. Ex. 2 Metal filler 660 22 <3 144 7 (less than 3)

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1. Exhaust Gas -   2. Exhaust Gas Cooling Tower -   3. Exhaust Gas Cooler -   4. Exhaust Gas Blower -   5. Absorption Tower -   6. Filler -   7. Extraction Pump -   8. CO₂-containing Absorbing Solution -   9. Heat Exchanger -   10. Regeneration Tower -   11. Filler -   12. Heater -   13. Heated Vapor (High-temperature Water Vapor) -   14. Cooler -   15. CO₂ Separator -   16. Cooler -   17. CO₂-containing Absorbing Solution -   18. CO₂ Desorption Catalyst of the Invention -   19. Heated Water Vapor (High-temperature Water Vapor) -   20. Mixture of High-temperature Absorbing Solution, Water Vapor, and     CO₂ -   21. Unabsorbed Solution after CO₂ has been desorbed therefrom -   22. Mixture of CO₂ Gas and Water Vapor 

1.-10. (canceled)
 11. A CO₂ desorption catalyst comprising an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact, the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more.
 12. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to claim 11, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, metal oxides, metals, and clay minerals.
 13. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to claim 11, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, Ga₂O₃, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, CuO, ZnO, Pd, Fe, Co, Ag, Ni, Pt, Cr, and zeolites.
 14. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to claim 11, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN, Ga₂O₃, Al₂O₃, Pd, Fe, and zeolites.
 15. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to claims 11, wherein the inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact is at least one member selected from the group consisting of BN and Al₂O₃.
 16. The CO₂ desorption catalyst according to claim 15, wherein at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Fe, Co, Ag, Ni, and Pt is supported on the catalyst.
 17. A CO₂ desorption device including: a CO₂ absorption tower for absorbing and removing CO₂ from exhaust gas by using an absorbing solution; and a regeneration tower for regenerating the absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂, wherein the regeneration tower contains the CO₂ desorption catalyst of claim
 11. 18. A method for desorbing CO₂, the method comprising the step of regenerating an absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂, wherein the regeneration step brings the absorbing solution containing absorbed CO₂ into contact with the CO₂ desorption catalyst of claim
 11. 19. Use of an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂.
 20. A method for using an inorganic powder or inorganic powder compact having a BET specific surface area of 7 m²/g or more, as a catalyst for desorbing CO₂. 